John-Obi Mikel and Ramires plan to shake the hand of the referee Mark Clattenburg on Sunday

John-Obi Mikel and Ramires are both planning to shake the hand of the referee
Mark Clattenburg on Sunday when the official returns to Stamford Bridge for
the first time since the 'race row’ that overshadowed Chelsea’s defeat
against Manchester United last October

No evidence: The FA said in a statement that The FA does not believe that there is a case for Mr Clattenburg to answerPhoto: GETTY IMAGES

Clattenburg was cleared in investigations by both the Football Association and the police after it was alleged by Ramires that he heard him use the word “monkey” towards Mikel.

The allegation also led to furious scenes after the game, with Mikel subsequently banned for three matches for threatening Clattenburg.

Mikel has said he would have “no problem” being refereed by Clattenburg again and the Chelsea manager, Rafael Benítez, stressed that his selection against Swansea tomorrow would not be influenced by the incident.

“It will make no difference and hopefully everyone will forget and we just concentrate on the game,” said Benítez. “I think John will shake his hand. I don’t see any problem. The normal situation will be fine.”

David Luiz has also apologised for his late tackle on Philipp Degen in Thursday’s 2-1 Europa League semi-final first leg win against Basle.